Tampa Residential Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

Here’s what you need to know about Tampa residential dual diagnosis treatment center.

A dual diagnosis is made when someone who has a mental illness is also diagnosed with a substance use disorder, or vice-versa. A Tampa residential dual diagnosis treatment center is essential for successful recovery from an addiction that co-occurs with a mental illness.

How Common is Dual Diagnosis?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, around eight million Americans have co-occurring disorders. About one-third of people who have any type of mental illness and half of the people who have a severe mental illness also have a substance use disorder. Conversely, around a third of people who abuse alcohol and more than half of those who abuse drugs also have a mental illness.

Because of the high prevalence of dual diagnosis, Tampa residential dual diagnosis treatment center screens for mental illness before developing an individualized treatment plan for a substance use disorder. That’s because treating just the addiction will do little to reduce the symptoms of mental illness, which can quickly lead back to substance abuse once someone enters recovery.

At the same time, treating just the mental illness but not the addiction will do very little to curb the self-destructive thought and behavior patterns that develop as the result of an addiction. Tampa dual diagnosis treatment ensures both the addiction and the mental illness are treated in conjunction with one another.

Why is Dual Diagnosis So Common?

Mental illness and substance use disorders commonly co-occur for three primary reasons, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse:

Mental illnesses often lead people to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, and this can lead to addiction and dependence.

Heavy drug or alcohol abuse changes brain function and can cause the onset of a mental illness where one didn’t previously exist. Substance abuse also almost always worsens symptoms of an existing mental illness.

The risk factors for substance abuse and mental illness, such as chronic stress or a history of trauma, often overlap, leaving some people at a higher risk of developing co-occurring disorders.

The most common mental illnesses that co-occur with substance use disorders are anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder, and depressive disorders, such as major depression and bipolar disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are also commonly associated with elevated drug and alcohol abuse. Eating disorders also commonly co-occur with substance use disorders.

How Tampa Dual Diagnosis Treatment Helps

Tampa residential dual diagnosis treatment center follows research-based, best-practices protocol for treating co-occurring disorders. Because mental illness often leads to substance abuse, and substance abuse can cause or worsen a mental illness, it’s essential to treat the mental illness in the context of the substance use disorder and vice-versa. This integrated treatment protocol is associated with far better outcomes than treating just the addiction or just the mental illness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, dual diagnosis treatment is associated with:

A decrease in substance abuse.

Reduced symptoms of mental illness.

Improved mental functioning.

Increased stability at home.

Fewer incidences of hospitalization.

An overall higher quality of life.

Tampa drug rehab through dual diagnosis treatment involves a number of therapies that help improve mental health while curbing substance abuse. These therapies include:

Pharmacotherapy, or the use of medication to reduce symptoms of mental illness.

Behavioral therapies, which help you learn healthier ways of thinking and behaving.

Group therapy, which offers a high level of peer support.

Family therapy, which helps to restore function to the family system.

Psychoeducational classes, which help individuals better understand mental illness and substance use disorders.

Specialized therapies, such as didactical or exposure therapies, to help those with severe mental illnesses improve symptoms and reduce dangerous behaviors.

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If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Mark is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.